The Museum and Crypt of the Capuchins of Rome, which opened in 2012, is part of a major complex whose origins date back to the 17th century. The convent, located along today’s Via Veneto, was built beginning in 1626 on the initiative of Pope Urban VIII Barberini, whose brother, Cardinal Antonio Barberini, was a member of the Order. The project was entrusted to Brother Michele da Bergamo, a Capuchin architect of great fame and value. By 1631, the friary was already inhabited by a large fraternity, soon becoming a center of primary importance for the whole Order. The construction of the architectural complex responded to the intention of creating a house of the Order of exceptional size compared to other convents, destined to become a spiritual, cultural and governing point of reference for the entire Capuchin family. Unfortunately, only the church and the crypt, the latter an integral part of the museum itinerary, remain intact of the original layout today. The museum, opened in 2012, aims to preserve and enhance the historical and artistic heritage of the Capuchin Friars Minor. The eight exhibition rooms offer a journey through the history of the Order, highlighting its deep spirituality and the role it played in the religious and social life of Rome. Among the exhibits are fine paintings, including Caravaggio’s famous St. Francis in Meditation, sculptures, liturgical objects and artifacts related to the daily life of the friars, many of which have been restored to their former glory thanks to a major restoration campaign. These objects testify to the austere and simple lifestyle that has always characterized the Order, as well as reflecting the Capuchins’ ability to produce sacred crafts in line with their ideal of poverty. One of the most striking elements of the museum itinerary is undoubtedly the Crypt, known for its decorations made from the bones of more than 3,700 deceased. This unique place offers a profound reflection on the transience of earthly life and spiritual eternity, a central theme in the Franciscan worldview. The Capuchin Museum and Crypt, in addition to being a place for the preservation of artistic heritage, today presents itself as a cultural space in constant dialogue with the present. Temporary exhibitions, cultural initiatives and thematic insights aim to keep the Capuchin tradition alive, projecting it into the future and contributing to the spread of the spiritual and human message that the Order has embodied for nearly 500 years.
HOW TO REACH US
e-mail: info@museoecriptacappuccini.it
Ticket Office
Book a guided tour inside the Museum. Private tours or group bookings available.
